The 21st century urban disaster

The issue brief details the evolving nature of humanitarian response and how humanitarian assistance differs in urban and rural contexts. It asserts that the staggering costs of rebuilding and the economic losses associated with urban disasters are leading many governments to focus additional resources on disaster preparedness and mitigation activities.

The brief further details the challenges associated with providing relief after an urban disaster and describe CHF’s success in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. It includes a case study on CHF’s Katye program in Haiti, which uses a neighborhood approach to support recovery by offering shelter and access to basic services, such as water and sanitation, while also incorporating long-term reconstruction goals.